Ibrox boss Ally McCoist has already sounded out the 30-year-old who could become the first player from the Republic of Ireland to play for the third division club.

Daly insists the chance to work with McCoist is a major factor in his decision after being impressed by the way he handled himself in a recent meeting between the sides.

He told the Daily Record: "It always stuck in my mind that, even though his team had lost at Tannadice, and I'd scored one of the goals, Ally waited in the tunnel to shake the hands of every United player.

"That made a big impression on me and increased my respect for Ally."

And regarding the historical aspect of the deal, he said: "It doesn't bother me. I've spoken to my family about Rangers' interest and there are no issues for them to deal with so far as I'm concerned.

"Rangers have spoken to Dundee United and my agent has spoken to Ally. When I had my conversation with the manager it was purely about football and where he saw me playing. It had nothing to do with financial terms."

And McCoist admits to being a long-term admirer of the Irishman and would be delighted to add him to his player pool next season.

Speaking on the Gers official website, he said: "I've spoken to Jon and it's been well documented that he is a player we're interested in.

"We need to bring players in, very good players, and Jon would certainly come into that category.

"And as long as we feel a player can do a job for us on the park - and we don't have any doubt Jon would - then that is all that matters."

ood grief. Someone guessed that the form English player at the moment might be in his national side with some other players? And that's espionage? Now if they discovered that Emile Heskey was going to be in the starting line up.... at right back.... THAT would be espionage. Give it a rest Roy.